Target-trap.



No 806,773. PATENTED DEC. 12, 1905.

' J. H. BROOKMAN.

TARGET TRAP.

APPLICATION FILED APR.24. 1903.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

wi bn-wo PATENTED DEC. 12, 1905.

J. H. BROOKMAN. TARGET TRAP.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 24. 1903.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN H. BROOKMAN, OF CENTRAL CITY, IOWA, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO CHARLES E. WARNER, OF CENTRAL CITY, IOWA.

TARGET-TRAP.

Specification of Letters Patent.

f Patented Dec. 12, 1905.

Application filed April 24:, 1903. Serial No. 154.164.

To all whom, it 71mg concern.-

Be it known that 1, JOHN H. BROOKMAN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Gentral City, in the county of Linn and State of Iowa, have invented a new and useful Target- Trap, ofwhich the following is a specification. This invention relates to that class of machines employed in projecting aerial or flying targets, commonly known as clay pigeons.

So far as I am aware, after the projection of a target the carrier-arm commonly employed for this purpose has been reset by an operator. This resetting has either been accomplished by a manual operation or through the medium of pedal-actuated mechanism, neither of which is, properly considered, automatic.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide means having inherent power independent of an operator to return the projecting mechanism to a set position after the discharge of a target, thereby being strictly automatic in its action in the true sense of the term, or, in other words, it is self-acting.

It is also the object to provide means of a novel and simple nature for feeding targets to the projecting mechanism, said means in the embodiment hereinafter described being semi-automatic in its action and operated by the same means which accomplishes the resetting of the projecting mechanism.

Another object is to provide a trap which will not be liable to break the targets and which will not be seriously interfered with by such breakage when it does occur.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and is described in the following specification.

It will be understood, however, that the in-' vention is open to various changes and modifications.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a top plan view of the trap. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view through the same. Fig. 3 is a detail view similar to Fig. 2, but showing the feeding mechanism in different relation. Fig. 4. is a detail sectional view showing the lever when set. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view through the feeding mechanism for the target. Fig. 6 is a detail plan view of the latch for the lever, and Fig. 7 is a view somewhat similar to Fig. 6, but showing the manner in which the lever is automatically released upon the actuation of the target.

to be revolved by means of a suitable handlever 12, carrying a latch 13, that is arranged to engage in suitable sockets 14:, located in the edge of the base. Pivoted upon the upper end of the standard is a bracket 15, carrying a suitable frame 16, upon which the mechanism is located, this frame being arranged to swing upon a horizontal axis and being normally held against movement by a quadrant-arm 17, attached at one end to the rear end of the frame and having its other end slidably passed through the standard and provided with suitable openings 18, arranged to receive a holding bolt or pin 19.

The present embodiment is a double trap, and as the mechanism is duplicated but one need be described.

The frame 16 is provided with a forwardlyextending support 20, upon which is pivoted a target-carrier in the form of an arm 21, having at its forward end an upstanding stud 22, to which is attached the usual actuatingspring 23. The other end of this arm carries a target-holder in the form of yielding jaws 24, and particular attention is invited to the post 25, which is rotatably mounted on the free end of the outer jaw and is provided with a ratchet-disk 26, engaged by a spring-dog 27, that permits the rotation of the disk and post in one direction and prevents any movement in an opposite direction. The purpose of this device is hereinafter set forth. The target-holder is held in projecting relation with respect to the carrier-arm 21 by means of a coiled spring 27, and the inner jaw is arranged to pass beneath a guide-plate 27", attached to the support and illustrated clearly in Fig. l.

The rear portion of the supporting-frame 16 comprises spaced guides 28, having inwardlyextending ledges 29 on their opposing inner faces. Mounted on these guides is a suitable casing 30, constituting a magazine for the targets, said casing having a suitable base-plate 31. Pivoted between their ends to this baseplate are jaws 82, that operate directly beneath the lower end of the magazine and are drawn toward each other by a spring 33, conmeeting their free ends, said jaws being thus arranged to clamp the next to the lowest target, as shown in Fig. 2. The rear ends 34 of the jaws extend some distance in rear of the base-plate. Aplunger 35 is slidably mounted in the guides and movable beneath the magazine and the jaws, said plunger having aspring 35 upon its front or operative end. This plunger, furthermore, is provided with a depending lug 36, having a link connection 37 with the lower end of a lever 38, pivoted be tween its ends to the frame and having its upper end formed into asuitable handle portion 39. The actuating-spring 23 for the target' projecting mechanism or carrier is attached to the upper portion of the lever 38, above the pivot thereof. Adjustable abutments 40 are located on the rear portion of the plunger and are spaced apart sufiiciently to press against the outer sides of the rear portions 34 of the jaws when the plunger is moved forwardly, thus separating the active portions of said jaws to release the targets.

The lever 38, above described, is movable in a slot 41 of the frame, but is normally held against said movement by a latch 42, pivoted between its ends, as shown at 43, one end of the latch being arranged to swing in front of the lever when said lever is moved backwardly in the slot, this movement of the latch being accomplished by means of a small coiled spring 44. The front end of the latch 42 is beveled and is located adjacent to the similarly-shaped end of a trip 45, pivoted upon the frame and having its front end pointed, as shown at 46, the adjacent ends of the latch and trip being connected by a coiled spring 47. The pointed end 46 of the trip is located in the path of movement of the adjacent end of the target-carrying arm, as illustrated in Fig. 7. A suitable latch 48 of any desired construction is employed for holding the target-carrying arm in set position, said latch being attached to the usualoperating cord or strap 49, which strap preferably passes through an eye 50, located on the standard.

A'pivot 51, which constitutes the journal for the target-carrying arm, is secured to said arm and passes through a bearing 52, arranged upon the front of the support 20. The lower end of this pivot carries a crank-arm 53, and a coiled spring 54 is preferably interposed between the crank-arm and the bearing. The outer end of said crank-arm carries a suitable wrist-pin 55, that is movable in the slot 56 of a bar 57, that extends longitudinally of the apparatus and is pivoted, as shown at 58, to the lug 36. A buifer-spring 59, connected with one end to an intermediate portion of the bar 57, is attached at its other end to a link 60, which is secured to the wrist-pin 55.

The operation of the device is as follows: It will be apparent that when the upper end of the lever 38 is forward there will be very little tension upon the actuating-spring 23. The plunger 35 will be inits rearmost position, as will also the bar '57, which coacts with the crank-arm 53. Assuming the lever therefore in this position, the parts will be substantially as shown in Fig. 3, and the lowermost target of the magazine will be resting upon the ledges 29 and in front of the plunger, the targetcarrier being in set position, with the jaws properly arranged to receive said target. At this point it is desired to state that the term set position is employed to designate primarily that position from which the carrierarm moves in projecting a target and has no relation as to whether or not the parts are in such position as to actuate the arm upon its release. Now if the handled end of the lever is moved rearwardly it will be seen that the plunger will be moved forwardly, thus forcing the target that is located in front of the spring into the holder. It is at this point that most targets are broken in magazine-machines; but in the present instance such breakage is practically obviated by reason of the rotating stud, which permits the free ingress of the target, and yet securely holds the same, as the stud can only rotate in one direction because of the ratchet and dog. Moreover, the spring 35 will yield sufliciently to permit the introduction of targets of various sizes without damage to either the apparatus or the target. On

this forward movement of the plunger the abutments 40 are brought into contact with the rear ends 34 of the jaws, and said ends being thus forced together the jaws will be separated, releasing the pile of targets contained and as said lever moves past the rear end of the latch said latch will swing inwardly across the slot, and thus lock the lever against its forward movement. The trap is now in condition to projectatarget,and it will beevident that when the arm is released by operating the latch 48 the spring 23 will swing said arm around and the target will be thrown. This free movement of the arm will not be interfered with, as the bar 57 has been moved forward simultaneously with the movement of the plunger, and the wrist-pin of the crank-arm can move freely in the slot, the spring 59 being comparatively weak and not offering any serious resistance. As the target leaves the holder the arm is in a forward position, as shown in, Fig. 7, and the momentum will carry the short end of said arm past the trip 45, which swings freely for this purpose. A rebound, however, takes place; and this rebound is sufficient to cause the short end of the carrying-arm 21 to repass the dog. The opposite swing of said dog, therefore, causes its beveled end to engage theadjacent end of the latch 42 and swing IOO TIO

- position.

the rear end of said latch from its position in front of the lever. The lever being thus released and being, moreover, under the tension of the actuating-spring 23 swings in a forwardly direction. Now it will be noted that the distance between the connection of the spring with the lever and the pivot of said lever is greater than the point of connection of the spring with the carrier-arm and the pivot of said arm. The spring therefore acts upon the lever to swing the same forwardly, thus moving the plunger backwardly and simultaneously moving the bar 57 in a rear- Ward direction. The wrist-pin of the crankarm is now in the front end of the slot 56, and consequently the rearward movement of the bar causes the crank-arm to swing, thereby swinging the carrier-arm back to its set Indeed, this return action is so strong that the buffer-spring 59 has been employed to prevent the target-carrier returning with too great force. The rearward movement of the plunger also acts upon the feeding mechanism in that the jaws, being released, are brought together upon the next to the lowest target, and as the front end of the plunger passes from beneath the magazine the lowermost target, being free, drops upon the ledges 29, so that the parts are again in their original position, and the only act necessary to place the trap again in condition for operation is a manual rear movement of the lever. It will thus be seen that the return of the target-carrier is accomplished without the use of outside power and may therefore be properly termed automatic and self-acting, in that the force employed is inherent. This, therefore, is avital feature of the present invention and is entirely new, so far as I am aware.

The apparatus can be successively actuated with great rapidity, as the parts quickly reassume their normal position, and it requires but the actuation of a single lever to feed the targets to the holder and simultaneously put the mechanism in condition for actuation. The feeding mechanism is very simple, entirely positive in its action, and while it may break a target now and then such breakage is reduced to a minimum At the same time the broken pieces can freely drop from the machine and do not seriously interfere with the operation of the same. The angle of elevation can be changed, as will be apparent, by adjusting the quadrant-arm, and the targets may be thrown into any quarter by rotating the standard and the mechanism carried thereby.

While a double machine has been shown in the present instance, it will be seen that one or more may be employed, as desired.

From the foregoing it is thought that the construction, operation, and many advantages of the herein-described invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art withoutfurther description, and it will be understood that various changes in the size, shape, proportion, and minor details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-projector movable from and to a set position, of projector-actuating mechanism including self-acting means for moving the projector from and returning it to such set position.

2. .In a target-trap, the combination with a target-carrier movable from and to a set position, of carrier-actuating mechanism including self-acting means for automatically moving the carrier from and returning it to set position.

3. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-carrying arm, of means for swinging the arm from a set position in one direction to eject a target and including self-acting means for returning the arm to set position in an opposite direction in the same path of movement.

4. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-projector movable in one direction from and returning in an opposite direction to a set position, of means for automatically actuating the projector to move it away from its set position and including a spring for also returning the projector to said set position.

5. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-projector, of a spring for actuating the same, and means for automatically releasing the tension of the spring upon the projection of a target.

6. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-projector, of a spring for actuating the same, and means operated by the projector for automatically releasing the tension of the spring upon the projection of a target.

7. In a target-trap, the combination with a swingingtarget-carrying arm, of a spring for moving the arm, and means for automatically releasing the tension of the spring when the arm is swung to a predetermined position to project a target.

8. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-carrying arm, of a common spring for actuating the arm to project a target and re-.

target-carrier, of means for moving the carrier to a set position, and a device for holding the setting means inactive, said carrier constituting means for moving the holding device to release the setting means.

11. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-carrier, of self-acting means for moving the carrier to a set position, and a device for holding the setting means inactive.

12. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-carrier, of automatic means for moving the carrier to a set position, and a device for holding the setting means inactive, said device being moved to an inoperative position by the target-carrier upon its movement in projecting a target to permit the actuation of the setting means.

13. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-carrier movable in one direction, of a self-acting device for resetting the carrier connected thereto and movable in an opposite direction, and means actuatedby the carrier for throwing the resetting device into operation.

14:. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm, of a pivoted lever, and an extensible coiled spring connecting the arm and lever.

15. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-carrier movable in one direction, of a spring for moving the carrier, a lever connected with the spring, and a holding device for securing the lever with the tension upon the sprin 16. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-carrier'movable in one direction, of a spring for moving the carrier, a lever connected with the spring, a holding device for securing the lever with the tension upon the spring, and means for moving the holding device to automatically release the lever upon the actuation of the carrier.

17 In a target-trap, the combination with a target-carrier, of a spring having an operative connection with the carrier for moving said carrier from its set position and returning it to said set position.

18. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-carrier movable from a set position, of means including a spring for moving the carrier to said set position, a device for holding the carrier against actuation by the spring, and means for placing the spring under tension when the carrier is in set position.

19. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-carrier movable from a set position, of means including a spring for moving the carrier to its set position, a device for holdand a spring connected to the lever and to the carrier for actuating said lever.

21. In a target-trap, the combination with a target-carrier, of a leverior moving the same, a spring for actuating the lever having connection with the carrier, and a latch for holdswinging target-carrying arm, of a bar having a slot, acrank-arm carried by the target-carrying arm and movable in the slot of the bar, and a spring having an operative connection with the bar for automatically moving the bar in one direction,

25. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm, of a bar, a crank-arm carried by the arm, a spring connecting the crank-arm and the bar, and means for moving the bar to swing the arm.

26. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable target-carrier, of self-acting means for moving the carrier to a set position, and a swinging latch for holding said automatic means inoperative.

27. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable carrier, of a lever havinga connection with the carrier, a spring for moving the lever, a latch coacting with the lever, and a trip for moving the latch, said trip having a portion located in the path of movement of the carrier.

28. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm, of a pivoted lever, a spring connecting the arm and lever on one side of the pivot of the latter, and a connection between the portion of the lever on the opposite side of its pivot and the arm.

29. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm, of a pivoted lever, a spring connecting'the arm and lever on one side of the pivot of the latter, and a crank-arm and link connection between the portion of the lever on the opposite side of itspivot and the arm.

30. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm, of a lever pivoted between its ends, a spring connecting one end of the lever and the arm, a crank-arm carried by the target-carrying arm, a longitudinally-movable bar having a linl: connection with the lever and a movable engagement with the crank-arm, a pivoted latch coacting with the lever and a trip having a portion located in the path of movement of the target-carrying arm and actuating the latch.

IIC

31. In a target-trap, the combination with a magazine for the targets, of means for supporting the targets therein, a plunger for moving the targets from the magazine, and means operated by the movement of and simultaneously with the plunger for actuating the supporting means.

32. In a target-trap, the combination with a magazine for the targets, of means for supporting the targets therein, a plunger for moving the targets from the magazine, and means carried by the plunger for actuating the supporting means.

33. In a target-trap, the combination with a magazine for the targets, of a jaw operating in the lower portion of the magazine and consti' tuting a support for the target, and a device operating to expel the targets from the magazine and simultaneously move the jaw.

34. In a target-trap, thecombination with a magazine for the targets, of a jaw mounted in the lower portion of the magazine, a plunger slidable below the jaw, and a projection carried by the plunger and arranged to engage said jaw to move the same.

35. In a target-trap, the combination with a magazine for the targets, of movable jaws arranged to support the targets, a plunger movable beneath the jaws, and means for automatically opening the jaws when the plunger is beneath the same.

36. In a target-trap, the combination with a magazine for the targets, of movable jaws pivoted between their ends and arranged to support the targets, a spring for urging the jaws toward each other, a plunger movable beneath the jaws, and means for opening the jaws when the plunger is beneath the same.

37. In a target-trap, the combination with a magazine for the targets, of movable jaws pivoted between their ends and arranged to support the targets, a spring for urging the jaws toward each other, a plunger movable beneath the jaws, means for opening the jaws when the plunger is beneath the same, and a lever having a link connection with the plunger for moving the same.

38. In a target-trap, the combination with a magazine for the targets, of target-projecting means, mechanism for feeding the targets from the magazine to the projecting means, and self-acting means for moving the projecting means to set position and simultaneously moving the feeding mechanism.

39. In a target-trap, the combination with a magazine for the targets, of a target-carrier, a spring for actuating the carrier, mechanism for feeding the targets from the magazine to the carrier, and means for actuating the feeding mechanism and tensioning the spring.

40. In a target-trap, the combination with a magazine for the targets, of a target-carrier, a plunger for feeding the targets from the magazine to the carrier, and a lever having a pivotal link connection with the plunger for actuating the same.

41. v In a target-trap, the combination with a magazine for the targets, of a target-carrier, a plunger for feeding the targets from the magazine to the carrier, a lever connected with the plunger, and a spring for actuating the carrier, said spring being connected with the lever.

42. In a target-trap, the combination with a magazine for the targets, of a target-carrier,

.a plunger for feeding targets from the magazine to the carrier, a lever for actuating the plunger, return mechanism for the carrier post, and a dog engaging the disk.

45. In a target-trap, the combination with a magazine for the targets, of a target-carrier, and means for transferring the target from the magazine to the carrier, said means having yielding engagement with the target.

46. In a target-trap, the combination with a magazine for the targets, of a target-carrier, and a plunger for feeding targets from the magazine to the carrier, said, plunger having a yielding portion that engages the targets.

47 In a target-trap, the combination with a magazine for the targets, of a target-carrier, a plunger for feeding targets from the magazine to-the carrier, and a spring arranged upon one end of the plunger and constructed to bear against the targets.

48. In a targettrap,the combination with an oscillatory target-carrying arm movable from and to a set position, of means for actuating the arm to automatically move it from its set position and including a self-acting spring for returning the arm to set position.

49. In a target-trap, the combination with an oscillatory target-carrying arm movable from a set position and returnable to the-same, of means including a spring for moving the arm from such set position and returning it to the same.

50. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable target-carrying arm, of a spring for moving the arm from and toward a set position, movable connections between the spring and arm for returning said arm, and means for holding said connections inactive during the movement of the arm from its set position.

51. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm, of a crank-arm rigidly connected thereto and swinging therewith, a spring connectedto the target-carrying arm for swinging the same in one direction, means including a link for swinging the target-carrying arm in adirection opposed to theaction of the spring, and a pivot connecting said link and crank-arm.

52. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm, of a crank-arm rigidly connected thereto and swinging therewith, a spring connected to the target-carrying arm for swinging the sameinone direction, means for swinging the target-carrying arm in a direction opposed to the action of the spring, and a pivotal connection between said means and crank-arm that permits the relative sliding movement thereof.

53. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm, of a crank-arm rigidly connected thereto and swinging therewith, a spring connected to the target-carrying arm for swinging the same in one direction, and means for swinging said target-carrying arm in adirection opposed to the action of the spring, said means comprising a reciprocatory member, a bar pivoted to the member and having a pivotal connection with the crank-arm, and means for reciprocating the member.

7 54. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm, of a crank-arm rigidly connected thereto and swinging therewith, a spring for swinging the target-carrying arm in one direction and an operating-bar having a pivotal connection with the crankarm for swinging the target-carrying arm in an opposite direction.

55. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm, of a crank-arm rigidly secured thereto and swinging therewith, and a longitudinally-movable operatingbar having a sliding pivot connection with the crank-arm.

56. In atarget-trap, the combination with a swingingtarget-carrying arm, of asupportfor the same, said arm being located above the support and having a depending pivot extending through the same, a crank-arm secured to the lower end of the pivot, a longitudinallymovable bar having a sliding connection with the crank-arm, and a lever connected to the bar.

57. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable target-carrier, of a target-magazine, a movable feeder for delivering targets from the magazine, a connection between the carrier and feeder and means connected to the feeder for moving the same and through the connection, moving the'carrier.

58. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm, of a targetmagazine, a movable feeder for delivering the targets from the magazine to the arm, and a lever having connections with both the feeder and the arm for moving the same.

59. 'In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm, of a crank-arm connected thereto, a target-magazine, a plunger for delivering the targets from the magazine, a longitudinally movable bar having connections with the plunger and with the crank-arm, and means for moving the plunger.

60. In a target-trap, the combination with a support, of a target-carrying arm mounted thereover and having a depending pivot extending therethrough, a crank-arm attached to the lower end of the pivot, a target-magazine, a plunger for delivering targets from the magazine, a movable bar having a connection with the plunger and with the crankarm, and a lever having a connection with the plunger.

61. In atargettrap,the combination with an oscillatory target-projecting arm, of a spring for moving the same in one direction, targetfeeding means including a reciprocatory feeding-plunger, and common means for moving the arm in an opposite direction to the spring action and for reciprocating said plunger of the feeding means.

62. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable target-projector, of movable means for feeding targets thereto, means for moving the target-projector, said moving means being connected to the target-feeding means and operated thereby, and means connected to said feeding means for moving the same.

63. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable target-projector, of movable means for feeding targets thereto, means for moving the target-projector, means connected to the feeding means for moving said feeding means, and a connection between the feeding means and projector-moving means that permits the movement of the feeding means independently of the movement of said projector and moving means.

64. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable target-projector, of movable means for feeding targets thereto, means for moving the target-projector, means connected to the feeding means for moving said feeding means, and a sliding connection between the feeding means and the projector moving means. Y

65. In a target-trap, the combination with a swinging target-carrying arm, of target-feeding means including a movable plunger, a sliding connection between the plunger and the arm, and means connected to the plunger for moving the same and, through the sliding connection, effecting the swinging of the arm in one direction.

66. In a target-trap, the combination with an oscillatory target projecting arm, of a spring for swinging the same in one direction,

against the action. of the spring.

68. In a target-trap, the combination with an oscillatory target-carrying arm, of a spring for swinging the same in one direction, alatch for holding the arm against movement under the action of the spring, and reciprocatory means including a longitudinally-movable bar having a sliding connection with the arm for moving the same against the tension of the spring.

69. In a target-trap, the combination with a movable target-projector, of movable means for feeding targets thereto, means for moving the target-projector, means separate from the projector-moving means and connected to the feeding means for moving said feeding means, and a connection between the feeding means and projector that permits the movement ofthe feeding means independently of the movement of said projector.

7 O. In a target-trap, the combination with lock for securing the throwing-arm, and means 4 operated by the throwing-arm for releasing the tension on the spring after the arm has been released by its holding-lock, substantially as set forth.

72. The combination in a target-throwing trap, of a throwing-arm, a crank connected with the throwing-arm, an operative spring for the throwing-arm connected with the crank, means for placing the spring under tension, a lock for securing the throwing-arm while the spring is under tension, operating means for said lock, and means for releasing the tension on the spring after the throwingarm has been released by its lock, substantially as set forth.

73. The combination in a target-throwing trap, of a throwing-arm, a crank connected with the throwing-arm, a spring attached to the crank, means for placing the spring under tension, and a catch for securing the spring under tension, a lock for securing the throwing-arm together with the crank in set position, means for releasing the throwing-arm lock, and a trip for releasing the catch which secures the spring under tension, arranged to be operated after the arm has been released by its lock, substantially as set forth.

74. In a target-throwing trap, the combination of a throwing-arm, a crank connected with the throwing-arm, a spring attached at one end to the crank, a spring-tensioning device to which the other end of the spring is attached, a catch for securing the tensioning device with the spring under tension, a lock for securing the throwing-arm in set position, a trip'operated by the throwing-arm to release the catch of the spring-ten sioning device, and means for operating the lock.

75. The combination in a target-throwing trap, of'a throwing-arm, a crank connected with the throwing-arm, a spring attached to the crank, means for placing the spring under tension, means for securing the spring under tension, and means for releasing the spring from tension after the throwing operation of the arm.

76. The combination in a target-throwing trap, of a throwing-arm, a crank connected with the throwing-arm, a spring attached to the crank, means for placing the spring under tension, a device for securing the spring under tension, a catch for securing the throwing-arm in set position, and means for releasing the spring-tensioning device after the throwing operation, substantially as set forth.

77. The combination with a target-throwing trap, of a frame, a swinging throwing-arm pivoted on the frame and arranged to make a movement around the pivot-aXis and return to starting position, a spring for operating the arm in the throwing movement, a catch for securing the arm in its set position, means for placing the throwing-spring under tension, a catch for securing the throwing-spring under tension, and a trip for the said catch arranged to be operated from the throwing-arm when in its returning movement, whereby the throwing-spring becomes inert.

78. A combination in a target-throwing trap. of a frame, a throwing-arm pivoted thereon and arranged to make a movement around the pivot-axis and a return to starting position, a crank attached to said arm, athrowing-spring attached to said crank at one end and adjustably connected to the frame at the other end, means operating upon the adjustable end of the spring for placing the spring under tension, a catch for securing the throwingspring under tension, means for tripping said catch when the arm is in its returning movement, whereby the throwing action of the spring becomes inert after the throwing-arm has started in its return movement, and a catch for securing the throwing-arm in its set or starting position.

79. A combination in a target-throwing trap, of a frame, a throwingarm and crank pivoted on the frame and arranged to make a movement around the pivot-axis and a return to starting position, which movement will carry the crank to opposite sides of the pivot, a throwing-spring attached at one end to the crank and adjustably connected at the other end with the frame, means for placing the throwing-spring under tension operating upon the frame-connected end of said spring, the arrangement of spring and crank being such that prior to passing the dead-center the spring will act to accelerate the speed of the throwing-arm and after passing the dead-center to check the arm, a tripping-device connection between the throwing-arm and the spring-securing means, arranged to trip and release the means during the return movement of the throwing-arm, and a catch for securing the throwing-arm in set position, substantially as set forth.

80. The combination in a target-throwing trap, of a frame, a swinging throwing-arm pivoted on the frame and arranged to make a partial revolution around the pivot and return to starting position, a spring for operating the arm in the throwing movement, a catch for securing the arm in its retracted set position, means for placing the throwing-spring under tension, a catch for securing the throwing-spring under tension, and a trip for the said catch, arranged to be operated from the throwing-arm when in its returning movement, whereby the throwing action of the spring becomes inert, substantially as set forth.

81. A combination in a target-throwing trap, of a frame,athrowingarm pivoted thereon and arranged to make a partial revolution around the pivot and return to starting position, a crank attached to said arm, a throwing-spring attached to said crank at one end and adjustably connected to the frame at the other end, means operating upon the adjustable end of the spring for placing the spring under tension, a catch for securing the throwing-spring under tension, means for tripping said catch when the arm is in its returning movement, whereby the throwing action of the spring becomes inert after the throwing-arm has started in its return movement, and a catch for securing the throwing-arm in its set or starting position, substantially as set forth.

82. A combination in a target-throwing trap, of a frame, a throwing-arm and crank pivoted on the frame and arranged to make a partial revolution around the pivot and return to starting position, which partial revolution will carry the crank to opposite sides of the pivot, a throwing-spring attached at one end to the crank and adjustably connected at the other with the frame, means for placing the throwing-spring under tension, said means operating upon the frame-connected end of said spring, the arrangement of spring and crank being such that prior to passing the dead-center the spring will act to accelerate the speed of the throwing-arm and after passing the dead-center to check and stop the arm and start it toward set position, a tripping-device connection between the throwing-arm and the spring securing the means, arranged to trip and release the means during the returning movement of the throwing-arm, and a catch for securing the throwing-arm in set position, substantially as set forth.

83. The combination in a target-throwing trap, of a frame, athrowing-arm located above and pivotall y mounted on the end of the frame, 7

a throwing-spring, a movable lever to which arm in set position, substantially as set forth.

In testimony that 1 claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto aflixed my signature in the presence of two wltnesses.

JOHN H. BROOKMAN.

l/Vitnesses:

LoUIs E. BROOKMAN, L. EVANS. 

